National Preparedness Month

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month and we've learned a lot from our disaster recovery work over the years. Learn how you can plan for when disaster strikes by reading the following residential and commercial tips. 

Residential: 

• In case of power loss during a storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting. Don’t eat food that has warmed past 40° F. 
• Install storm shutters ahead of time to protect vulnerable windows. If a storm is approaching, temporary plywood shutters will work in a pinch. 
• Take shelter in an inferior, lower-level room away from windows, doors and skylights during a severe storm. 
• If you lose power, unplug electrical appliances to prevent potential damage from a power surge once electricity is restored. 
• Bring valuable items upstairs to protect from flood damage. 
• If you hear thunder, hold off on showering until the storm passes. Lightning can travel through metal pipes and shock on contact. 

Commercial:

• Turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves when instructed to do so. (Gas and electric shut off) Board up windows prior to forecasted high wind storm events, such as hurricanes. 
• Disconnect all electrical equipment and appliances. Raise elevators (if applicable) from the bottom floor. 
• Ensure your server is protected and backed up in another location. 
• Employee safety should always be your first priority. Account for all employees by establishing evacuation plans in advance, identifying areas outside the building that are designated meeting places. 
• Contact your local SERVPRO Franchise to set up an Emergency Response Profile (ERP), which outlines every step of your emergency plan in any situation.

If storm damage has impacted your home or business, please call SERVPRO of Licking County at 740-587-0938. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.